Curveballs aren't more dangerous to young pitchers?

[caulfield12]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/sports/b...ng-arms.html?hp

 

 

This was always the prevailing wisdom when I was growing up and then coaching LL in the 80's and 90's.

 

Not too many sliders or curveballs should be allowed.

[ptatc]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/sports/b...ng-arms.html?hp

 

 

This was always the prevailing wisdom when I was growing up and then coaching LL in the 80's and 90's.

 

Not too many sliders or curveballs should be allowed.

The article is correct that a properly thrown curveball or slider does not put statistically signficantly more stress on the arm than a fastball. The problems is 1) statistically significant and clinically significant can be 2 very different things and 2) most breaking pitches aren't thrown biomechanically correct by many major leaguers let alone little leaguers. The kids just do not have the motor control to reporduce proper mechanics. I've read all of the studies mentioned and the ones by Andrews and Fleisig are the best designed and conducted. Reporteing on frequency alone in a retrospective study is not good methodology.

[zenryan]

my uncle played in the majors for about 5 seasons and made his living as a lefty who had a good curve. He would always tell me as long as you threw it right then you'd have no issues.

[Milkman delivers]

my uncle played in the majors for about 5 seasons and made his living as a lefty who had a good curve. He would always tell me as long as you threw it right then you'd have no issues.

 

Now you have to tell us who your uncle is.

[zenryan]

Now you have to tell us who your uncle is.

 

 

 

Joe Klink

 

Let's see if anyone knows who he is. haha

 

 

 

[caulfield12]

THE COLONEL

 

I've heard of him, if memory serves me correctly, he pitched in the 80's?

Edited March 15, 2012 by caulfield12

[Milkman delivers]

Joe Klink

 

Let's see if anyone knows who he is. haha

 

Klink once went 90 consecutive games without allowing a home run, the longest by a left-handed pitcher since at least 1957 and possibly the longest such streak of all time.

 

Pretty cool.

[zenryan]

THE COLONEL

 

I've heard of him, if memory serves me correctly, he pitched in the 80's?

 

 

 

Mostly early 90s with the A's and Marlins. Did pitch some on the 87 Twins and got a World Series watch. I guess back then they didnt give everyone and their mother rings and the team voted to give him a watch instead.